Discover Szendrő: Fortress History, Museums and Hands-On Activities

Szendrő can be explored through several distinct themes: the history of Felsővár, exhibitions, historical collections and hands-on activities. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first consider whether your interests lie more in the town’s history, nature or practical activities. Each attraction has its own focus and offers different starting points for planning your trip.

Felsővár: Views and History

A 24-metre-high wooden tower was rebuilt in a stylised form at the site of the former powder tower of Felsővár and is used as an observation tower. The ground floor houses an exhibition of the excavation findings. From the tower, there is a 360-degree panorama of the town in the Bódva Valley; visibility depends on conditions. The views and archaeological exhibition thus offer two different perspectives on the site.

The history of the castle includes several clearly dated events: the powder tower was destroyed in an explosion in 1699. In 1707, Prince Ferenc Rákóczi II ordered the castle’s destruction, which took place that same year. The rebuilt wooden tower stands on the former site of the powder tower and should be distinguished from it.

Exhibitions and Hands-On Activities

The permanent exhibition at Kincses Ház is titled “A Bódva Völgy Természeti Kincsei”. It presents architectural heritage and the flora and fauna along the Bódva in an interactive way; it also screens a short 3D film about the world of caves. Visitors looking to explore different topics within one exhibition will find connections to both nature and architecture, as well as the film about caves.

The Iskolatörténeti kiállítás focuses on teaching and learning materials from the past. Visitors can try out historical school equipment, write with a quill and ink, and read and do arithmetic using earlier tools. Its predecessor, the Oktatástörténeti Gyűjtemény, opened in Szendrő in 1982. Visits are offered seasonally; please contact the venue in advance.

The Kékfestőház Múzeum displays historical equipment used in the blue-dyeing craft, which is widespread in Hungary. At the Kékfestő Műhely in the former Csáky Castle, visitors can also decorate a partly prepared sachet made from modern blue-printed fabric with printed patterns, fill and scent it, and sew it closed. The two blue-dyeing experiences are therefore different: the museum displays historical equipment, while the workshop offers a hands-on activity. Workshop visits are seasonal; please contact the venue beforehand.

The Tornamúzeum has a pommel horse among its gymnastic equipment. The museum has seasonal closing periods; please check in advance before visiting. At the Szend-Erőd élménypark, visitors can try out historical duelling equipment and complete an obstacle course that tests their skills. Check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Church and Jewish Cemetery

The Roman Catholic church is also part of Szendrő’s architectural history: it was built in 1635 as the monastery church of the former Franciscan monastery. Another historic site is the enclosed and well-maintained Jewish cemetery. It currently contains 163 grave markers; this number may change. The church, cemetery and castle each tell a different part of the town’s history, adding further historical points of interest to the exhibitions and hands-on activities.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Aggtelek, Jósvafő, Bódvarákó, Edelény, Szuhogy, Tornaszentandrás, Szakácsi, Komjáti.

For the broader travel overview: Edelényi.